WILD-FOWL SHOOTING. 101 



ployed, it was usual to place tliem near the haunts of the fowl a long- 

 time before-hand, or move them by the g-entlest possible means, else the 

 device would be detected. And it would appear, that the whole of 

 the stalking'-horse devices were found fitter for excursions in early- 

 morning' or twilig'ht, than broad daylig'ht, the natm-al watchfulness of 

 the birds frequently enabling- them to detect the imposition being- 

 practised upon them. 



The wild-fowler should not be disheartened at disappointments, nor 

 should he repine at hlank days. It is these which make him relish 

 the more successful ones ; for, if he were always sure of success, the 

 excitement and true sportsmanlike feeling- would be considerably 

 diminished. The uncertainty attendant upon the sport enkindles a 

 desire for success, and induces a man to exert himself the more stre- 

 nuously. 



Some branches of the sport are, truly, rather hazardous to careless 

 individuals ; but in all sporting- pursuits there is more or less of that 

 character, much of which may be avoided by skill and caution. 



The young- sportsman should always take care of himself, his 

 health and comfort being- of more importance than all the birds in 

 the land ; and if exposed much to the weather, as of necessity he 

 will be, in pursuing- the sport vigorously, the.g-reater precautions are 

 necessary. Warm clothing- and g-ood living- are indispensable requi- 

 sites to the man who g-oes wild-fowl shooting- j and, above all thing's, 

 he should keep his feet and body dry, or at least fi-om the ill effects 

 of fresh water. 



Leather water-boots are to be preferred to India-rubber : the latter, 

 fi-om not being- porous, are cold and uncomfortable ; if they become 

 damp inside, they remain so : whereas leather, from its porousness, 

 absorbs dampness, and becomes dry in a very short time ; and by 

 having the boots dressed over two or three times a week with neat's- 

 foot oil and tallow, in about equal proportions, they are rendered im- 

 pervious to wet, the leather is preserved, and the boots are kept black 

 and pliable. Worsted gloves are to be preferred to leather, for punt- 

 ing, because' it is impossible sometimes to avoid g-etting- the hands wet 

 at that pursuit; by simply wringing- the worsted glove, it may 

 be directly put on again, and will keep the hand warm, notwithstand- 

 mg its being slightly damp : but a leather glove shrinks, becomes 

 cold to the hand, and uncomfortable. 



The punter should wear a white flannel jacket similar to those 

 worn by journeymen-carpenters ; than which, there is no more com- 



